Winchester representative won't endorse Dems vying for his seat

Rep. Paul Casey, D-Winchester, this week declined to endorse any of the three candidates vying for his seat in the state Legislature.

Eric Tsetsi

Rep. Paul Casey, D-Winchester, this week declined to endorse any of the three candidates vying for his seat in the state Legislature.

Casey has represented the 31st Middlesex District for the past 20 years. He announced in April that he would not seek re-election after initially preparing for what promised to be a tough primary battle against fellow Democrat Jason Lewis.

Republican Brian O’Connor, Independent Chad Riley and Democrat Mike Rotondi all eventually threw their hats in the ring shortly after Casey announced he would not run for another term.

When Casey ran for the position in 1988, his predecessor, Republican Sherman “Whip” Saltmarsh, also resisted making an endorsement, according to Casey.

“I just thought that was a nice way to pass the torch,” he said. “So, whoever comes on board … there won’t be any angst.”

“I think anybody who’s going to be the next representative needs to earn it,” he said.

Although he didn’t get Casey’s support, Lewis pointed out that he has received endorsements from more than 25 state and local leaders, including Gov. Deval Patrick and Sen. Pat Jehlen, D-Middlesex.

“I respect Paul Casey’s decision to stay out of this race,” Lewis said. “I think he’s served our district honorably for a long time, and hopefully, if I’m lucky enough to be elected, I look forward to working closely with him to do the job.”

Casey didn’t go into detail about his decision, but noted his relationships with both O’Connor and Riley.

O’Connor lived next door to Casey throughout the past 20 years, and supported him in his initial bid for the legislature.

“I think the world of him, he’s a nice guy, and I have always said that I wouldn’t run (for State Representative) against Paul,” O’Connor said.

That, of course, changed when Casey left the race.

Riley and Casey have known each other for about five years and their children go to school together.

“My relationship with Paul is very good,” said Riley. “For most of his career, [he] was an extremely effective advocate for our district.”

Despite his decision to remain neutral in this race, Casey said all three men seeking his position are great candidates.

“I was chosen by the people and whoever gets chosen by the people, will be my successor,” he said.